Ruth Bader Ginsburg Tribute

National Association of Women Judges Pays Tribute Members share their experiences, admiration and gratitude

As the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Women Judges, I am

NAWJ Tributes Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a devoted member of NAWJ and hosted and

participated in many of our events. During NAWJ’s presentation of Anne & Emmett in the Supreme Court Taft Library, she participated in a panel discussion about government-sponsored racist policies, drawing comparisons between Nazi eugenics in 1940s Germany and state policies undermining due process in the United States.

In both instances, bigotry and racism were codified into law. In 2016, when I was President of NAWJ, she spoke to over 900 women judges from around the world at the IAWJ Biennial Conference held in Washington D.C. Her fidelity to NAWJ’s mission, generosity with her time and scholarship on behalf of our organization are her legacy to us.

humbled to write a tribute to the memory of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Justice Ginsburg was a friend and a member of NAWJ. When NAWJ held our 2013 Midyear Meeting in Washington D.C., Justice Ginsburg hosted a reception in the Conference Room of the US Supreme Court. This is where I met her. I told her I was an immigrant from India and that with my husband’s encouragement I entered law school with three children.

We each shared our experiences as Moms in law school. When I think of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I think of strength. From her drive as a young woman to break status quo, the way she continued her work through heartbreaking tragedy, and standing her ground to the voices around her demanding she bend her views RBG exemplified a strength that all women look to emulate. She has personally inspired my journey in this profession as an attorney and on the bench, as I imagine she has for all members of NAWJ. Justice Ginsburg’s shining example reminds us all to bravely lead with integrity in all that we do and to always push for equality in our courts. In that vein, I hope we endeavor to keep her memory alive in the work we continue at NAWJ. Justice Ginsburg’s legacy will inspire generations to come.

Judge Bernadette D’Souza Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana President 2019-20

Judge Lisa Walsh 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County, Florida President 2015-16

In 2003 at the 25 Anniversary of NAWJ, it was my pleasure to present to th

Justice Ginsberg our highest honor, now the Joan Dempsey Klein Award. It was a great joy for all of us to watch a video narrated and produced by Tom Brokaw for her recent 70th birthday. That was when I first learned of her earlier talents as a cheerleader and twirler, her humor and sense of whimsy, and of the endearing relationship between the Justice and her beloved Marty. Sitting between them as they celebrated together was a moment of grace that is one of my favorite NAWJ memories.

Justice Bea Ann Smith Third District Court of Appeals for Texas President 2002-03

NAWJ’s papers had just been accepted into the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe.

To celebrate NAWJ was invited to the US Supreme Court. It was a dual celebration because Ruth Ginsburg had just been appointed to the US Supreme Court. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Justice Ginsburg were both in attendance. We gave each Justice a t-shirt emblazoned with “I’m Ruth not Sandra” and “ I’m Sandra not Ruth”.

I believe it was Brenda Murray who knew about Justice Ginsburg’s high school talent with the baton. Justice Ginsburg was presented with a baton and twirled it for us during the reception.

The evening was a grand celebration of women judges and the importance of NAWJ. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life.

Judge Cindy S. Lederman 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Miami-Dade County, Florida, (Ret.) President 1995-96

I join the chorus of millions who mourn the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg –

an activist, a scholar, a lawyer, a justice, and a friend. I use the term “friend” because after meeting and interacting with Justice Ginsburg, she made me feel a closeness that transcended our respective stations. I first met her when she came to Memphis to speak to the Bar and I was privileged to join her for a private tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. As she walked through the museum with her hair pulled back in a judicious bun, clad in a dark suit and white gloves, she poured over each exhibit with questions and reverence for the participants and their struggle. She seemed to spend a little more time at the exhibit depicting the inhumane conditions of the sanitation workers, as if to fully absorb the deprivation of dignity and the inhumanity they experienced. She asked questions and provided information that let us know that she was not a casual observer, but rather a justice committed to “justice for all.”

On January 26, 2017, I had the privilege of joining a small group of men and women invited to have dinner with Justice Ginsburg at the U.S. Supreme Court. She was gracious, witty, hopeful, and aware of the particular moment in history. She spoke freely of the rule of law, the role of the court, and the need to keep moving intentionally toward equal justice under law for all. At around 9:00 PM, she excused herself and returned upstairs to resume her work, for she had “miles to go before she slept.” We were exhausted but exhilarated at having been able to spend time in her presence.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” but we know that the arc does not bend of its own volition, but because people of good will apply the force of their head, heart, and hands, to the arc to bend it.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her life bending the arc in the direction of justice.

Judge Bernice B. Donald U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit President 1990-91

In the early 70’s, my best friend and I decided the local law

school at the University of San Diego should offer a course on sex-based discrimination and that we should teach it. The dean of the law school was reluctant to support us until the provost, a nun with both a law degree and a Ph.D. in literature, supported us and offered to teach the class with us. We soon learned there was no casebook in print but that a professor at Rutgers School of Law was writing one. We wrote Professor Ruth Ginsburg and in response she sent us the galley proofs of her book with permission to use it any way we wished. It is hard to imagine someone doing that today. She was and is our hero.

Justice Judith McConnell Fourth Appellate District for California President 1987-88

Ruth Ginsburg was the intellectual leader of the women’s movement in the ‘70s that led to the

founding of the National Association of Women Judges. Ruth not only wrote the briefs in the important sex discrimination cases, she also wrote the articles that motivated women like me to fight for gender equality, even though we were a few years behind her in age, and light years behind her in vision.

Her message spoke directly to women judges because each of us was then struggling to be heard in the white male bastions of power that were the courts. She was a source of inspiration for the NAWJ. In Washington in 1980, we held the first major NAWJ Conference. Ruth and I were among the historic group of women President Jimmy Carter had appointed to the federal bench, and we stood proudly with the President, along with NAWJ founders, Joan Dempsey Klein and Vaino Spencer, for a memorable photograph in the Oval Office. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known Ruth personally, as well as those who can know her only through her legendary achievements, must never forget her legacy. NAWJ is an important part of it.

Mary Murphy Schroeder Senior United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit President 1998-99

I first met Justice Ginsburg at my clerkship interview - this photo of us was taken much later, in the East Conference Room of the Supreme Court. I was nervous and had asked former clerks for advice. They said they loved working with her and noted that she spoke softly, often pausing between sentences, so I should be careful not to interrupt her. At the interview, I let so much time pass before responding to her that she must have thought I was waiting for translation! The fact is, Justice Ginsburg was always very careful in choosing her words, written or spoken. She was also a paragon of even temperament and collegiality. I clerked for her in the 2000 term, the year of Bush v Gore.

Throughout that controversy, Justice Ginsburg analyzed the issues carefully and never lost her cool. Having now, as a judge myself, experienced disagreement over matters far less consequential, I have even more regard for how she navigated that challenging period. Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to making America better, and she gave it her all. The law books contain only part of her powerful legacy.

The rest resides in the hearts and minds of the millions who love and admire this brilliant jurist and exceptional woman.

Justice Goodwin Liu , Clerking for Justice Ginsburg was a gift beyond measure, SCOTUS blog (Sep. 22, 2020, 2:21 PM), https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/09/clerking-forjustice-ginsburg-was-a-gift-beyond-measure/

Justice Goodwin Liu Supreme Court of California

Ruth Bader Ginsburg made a huge imprint on the big stage, and she was also attentive

In 2008, when I was NAWJ President, I had the privilege of introducing

to detail and the personal. When I was a young lawyer her husband Marty introduced me to then-Judge Ginsburg because I had just argued a civil rights case before the Supreme Court during Sandra Day O’Connor’s first term. I turned to RBG for advice when I was considering whether to become a judge. She carefully inquired about how I liked to work, and what I cared most about as a lawyer. After some back and forth — probably more than she thought necessary — she said: no more thinking about it, Vanessa, just go do it. You’ll work hard and do well. It was just the confidence boost I needed.

Justice Ginsburg at our Chicago conference where she was our main speaker. Justice Ginsburg’s husband Marty and her son and his family joined us at my table, and I gave her a gift of our NAWJ silver pin. In this photo, taken many years later, she is wearing the pin as she often was whenever I saw her at an NAWJ event. After the 2008 conference, I didn’t expect she would remember me – RBG met and was admired by so many people. She is, however, well known for her brilliance and could draw on her formidable brain to recall everything about a case being argued before the US Supreme Court. I cherish moments, as in this photo, when she saw me even years later, took my hand in her gloved one, looked at my face intently as if scanning it, then softly said “Thank you, Nan – I still wear your beautiful pin.” Justice Ginsburg’s legal opinions changed the lived experiences of so many women; she was also kind and gracious, qualities for which she will be remembered along with her tenacity and brilliance.

I had the honor of being sworn in by Justice Ginsburg soon after her Supreme Court appointment. She was also to swear me in as IAWJ president in 2018, but was unable to travel due to illness. Still, she recorded a video for the many expectant judges gathered in Buenos Aires and sent a personal note saying it would have been a joy to swear me in again. She was inspiration and support. What a loss!

Photo: Justice Ginsburg swearing in Judge Vanessa Ruiz, November 1994, Washington DC

Justice Nan Duffly Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, (Ret.) President 2007-08

Judge Vanessa Ruiz D.C. Court of Appeals President 2005-06

I had the privilege to meet Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg in the fall

of 2011, Newark, New Jersey, Rutgers University, at the National Association of Women Judge Annual Conference, during which I was honored as its incoming president. What endures for me and what I believe is captured in this photo, is Justice Ginsberg’s grounded humility, strength of character, and unassuming nature.

A brilliant, tireless champion for women and human rights, Justice Ginsberg’s active membership in the National Association of Women Judges remains a badge of honor NAWJ members wear with pride as sisters in the law. Justice Ginsberg taught us to walk in the shoes of those otherwise unable to advocate for themselves, ensuring equitable access to justice. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s legacy will continue to inspire and inform NAWJ’s mission to promote the judicial role in protecting the rights of all individuals.

Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem Massachusetts Juvenile Court President 2011-12

I first spent time with Justice Ginsburg in May of 2008, when she traveled to Alaska to speak at our statewide bar

convention and judicial conference. I sat between RBG and her husband, Marty, at the banquet’s head table with thenGovernor Sarah Palin. Justice Ginsburg was, as always, elegant and eloquent, giving a keynote address on the power of dissent. We were all rapt. The next morning she and I conducted a 90-minute conversation on the stage, the highlight of our convention. She was so open and frank in her answers to any question, rarely breaking eye contact with me, and she described how after 15 years on the court, she still woke up and asked herself, “Did it really happen — or did I dream it.” Here is a link to the conversation: https://anchoragefire.viebit.com/player.php?hash=KQWCBzSkYjVz

But the crowning moment of the weekend was entertaining RBG and Marty at a dinner party at our log house where I served Alaska rockfish! I feel so lucky to have had this experience with her.

Senior Justice Dana Fabe Alaska Supreme Court President 2009-10

I WISH…!

Ari Tobi-Aiyemo Your duty showed your beauty Your voice in civil rights Gave us liberties Through your passion and actions We saw your ‘real ‘contributions Your death shakes the foundations of justice Of the deprived masses, you took judicial notice Your presence shook relevant states All through the United States Your decisions were so real As cases came before you on appeal You showed how much your ‘sex’ appealed With determination as the movie revealed Your life unveiled

From law school to the bench Women struggle to reach How to balance their life As single, married, mother, wife As lawyers, law teachers or judges Women in law feel the nudges And we know the struggle The same ones you conquered Sometimes we are abused Other times, we are misused Often, we are used But you walked through it all Because you refused You stood out with dignity Your judgments brought unity To race, creed and sexuality

On the basis of sex You brought to light the value of ‘sex’ In our justice system Your appeal for sexual equality Even postmortem Shows your quality

When in and out of hospital I guessed the time had come But I hoped for an opportunity … now to get if in eternity I wish you had more time I missed your trip to Syracuse I wish I had a better excuse I wish I met you I wish I took pictures with you I wish …!

You fought long for your life Through cancer’s desire Yet you did not retire Your zeal makes us aspire As your ‘words’ will never expire You zoomed into lamplight like fire Yet branded the face of justice With twenty-seven years for social justice

“O come my dear” As Scalia will say Two buddies now thread the ends Leaving behind judicial philosophies To join heavenly Symphonies Judicial giants you were Your replacement is rare

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of my “She-roes”. I am so

honored to have met her. She was a loyal and supportive member of the National Association of Women Judges “NAWJ”. When I had the honor of serving as NAWJ President for the 2013-2014 term, I had the privilege of meeting with her in her chambers at the United States Supreme Court to discuss the theme I had chosen for my NAWJ Presidency “Ensuring Access to Justice for All”. I asked her if she would host a program at the Supreme Court for the NAWJ Mid year conference during my Presidency. I wanted to host the play, “Anne and Emmett”, written

by Janet Langhart Cohen, about Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl killed during the Holocaust, and Emmett Till, a young African-American boy who was killed in the segregated south during the era of “Jim Crow” segregation laws. The play was followed by a panel discussion. Justice Ginsburg loved the theater and was enthusiastic about hosting the play and the panel discussion. I am so grateful for her support and was so proud that she liked and supported the idea. She graciously greeted all of the NAWJ members who attended the program. I am so proud of all she accomplished as a jurist, a scholar and a woman.

Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby District of Columbia Court of Appeals President 2013-2014

We are all lucky to live in a world changed by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s insights and creativity. I had known Justice

Ginsburg from when she was a law professor become joining the appellate court and then the Supreme Court. She was always undaunted in the face of challenges, including the health issues she managed so gracefully. In 2000, for example, she came to Yale to participate in a conference (entitled Women, Justice, and Authority) when she was in the midst of chemotherapy. I realized as she was speaking that she was teaching us that we too could manage in public when ill and that doing so was important. Her resiliency was amazing. She also gave us lessons on how to be visibly a part of a family while not being its only hub. Moreover, she both helped us think we could be part of a world different than what we have and brought parts of those transformations into being. Justice Ginsburg was a pathbreaker in many ways, including understanding the importance and utility of drawing lessons from abroad. In this essay, Opening the Door: Justice Ginsburg, Law’s Boundaries, and the Gender of Opportunities, I analyze of her many contributions to our understanding of law’s possibilities.

Judith Resnik Arthur Liman Professor of Law, Yale Law School

Reminiscences of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg from the NAWJ 2013 Midyear Conference

Justice Ginsburg joined NAWJ immediately upon

appointment to the bench by President Carter. A devoted member, she participated frequently, adding luster to our events. I especially remember, with gratitude, her involvement that made our 2013 NAWJ Midyear Conference in DC, during my term as NAWJ President, a fabulous success. I had organized a Forum on challenges to independence faced by the Administrative Judiciary and other special courts.

She graciously arranged for us to use the conference rooms at the Supreme Court for our Forum and reception following. See the accompanying photo of her speaking at the reception, with me beside her. The very special location for our Forum brought us a wider audience and high visibility to the systemic challenges affecting special judiciaries.

Our IAWJ guests rushed to greet Justice Ginsburg –a vivid demonstration that her “notorious” RBG rock star status is a worldwide phenomenon.

For a 2d Midyear panel entitled: Rights of Women to Confer Benefits on Men, we borrowed our theme from Justice Ginsburg’s history of seeking benefits for men based on their relationship to women in their lives, a strategy designed to emphasize the importance of treating women and men equally under the law.

Judge Joan Churchill United States Immigration Court for Washington DC/Arlington VA, (Ret.) President 2012-13

The devastating news of Justice Ginsburg’s death was deeply felt by all women

across the legal profession and especially in the judiciary. From her example over many decades, each of us has drawn courage and strength to overcome challenges during our legal careers and in answering the call of the bench. We were very honored at many NAWJ events by her presence and greatly indebted to her for the always inspiring and encouraging words of wisdom she imparted.

Justice Ginsburg was a remarkable leader, brilliant scholar, and steadfast advocate for women’s rights, as well as equal rights for all, and in her measured but persistent manner paved the way for those of us who followed. She was a role model in her unwavering commitment to the rule of law, her tireless hard work to achieve justice, and for her grace and civility that enabled her to see the humanity in all and work amicably with others despite differing views of applicable law.

Above all, Justice Ginsburg understood the importance of maintaining public confidence in the justice system. As difficult as it is to accept her passing, we will go forward and honor the teachings of Justice Ginsburg by striving to live up to the legacy she has left to guide us.

Photo: Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and Judge Julie Frantz introduce Judge Tamila Ipema at the 2014 NAWJ Conference in Washington D.C. Senior Judge Julie E. Frantz Multnomah County Circuit Court, Oregon President 2014-15

District 2 pays tribute to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg whose unique brand of

intellect, courage and conviction has left an indelible mark on American jurisprudence by ensuring that all citizens are afforded equal protections under our Constitution.

Justice Ginsberg was born and raised in Brooklyn which is located in District 2. On September 22, 2020, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the Brooklyn Municipal Building will be renamed after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in the coming weeks, at an event with the justice’s family.

Photo: Front view of one of the newly christened columns bearing her name.

To view more tributes on the NAWJ website go to: https://www.nawj.org//tributes-to-justice-ginsburg